Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Depression
How Barbara works
- Not listed
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCPC
- Licensed in
- Illinois
- Years in practice
- 15
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Barbara
Barbara Benn is a licensed clinical professional counselor who draws on 15 years of experience to help people cope with stress, anxiety, anger, and low self-esteem. She offers straightforward, practical support aimed at making daily life easier and more manageable. People come to her when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward.
In sessions she focuses on building an open, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk through what matters most.
Background and approach
She uses motivational interviewing to help people find their own reasons for change, and person-centered principles to keep the conversation focused on each individual's goals. She also brings grounding and relaxation techniques into sessions to help calm strong feelings in the moment. Her work supports people facing trauma and abuse, as well as those dealing with depression and social anxiety.
She helps clients break problems into small, doable steps so progress feels realistic. The pace and focus are set together so therapy reflects each person's needs. Barbara adapts her approach to fit different situations and preferences.
She believes there is no single path that works for everyone, so she listens closely and adjusts recommendations based on what actually helps. The aim is practical improvement in daily functioning and greater confidence managing emotions. To begin, she asks a few questions to understand current challenges and goals.
From there she and the client set a plan with clear, measurable steps and regular check-ins to track progress.
What Barbara works with
Everything Barbara lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Barbara's practice.
Evidence-based approaches and flexible online care
Barbara uses evidence-based techniques that focus on practical change. Motivational interviewing helps people clarify what matters most and build the motivation to act, which is useful for shifting habits and tackling obstacles. Person-centered approaches put the client's goals at the center, so conversations stay grounded in what the person wants to achieve. Grounding and relaxation techniques are used to reduce intense physical reactions and make it easier to think clearly during stressful moments.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each client about their needs, goals, and preferences, then test methods together. This collaborative process helps identify which techniques actually help and which should be adjusted or paused.
Online therapy is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face interaction for deeper conversation, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat gives a quick way to check in, and messaging supports short updates or reflection between appointments. These options make it easier to fit counseling into busy schedules and to continue work even when life gets in the way.
Questions people ask about Barbara
What concerns does she work with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, anger, and low self-esteem.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth, using motivational interviewing and person-centered ideas to help clients set and reach goals.
What is her professional background?
She brings 15 years of experience providing counseling and practical strategies for emotional and behavioral concerns.
Where is she licensed to practice?
She is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, listed as LCPC in Illinois.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English and she is available to work with international clients.
What session formats does she offer?
She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start therapy with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.